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We just broke a few fundamental rules of pitching a tent and got away without any dire consequences. Just got a Khyam Santiago to replace a troublesome Vango V500 but with the weather recently we didn't have a chance to try it before our trip. (Error no 1) Arrived at the campsite about 7 P.M and it was raining lightly with some wind (15-20 MPH I would guess). Waited half an hour for the rain to ease (error no 2)but it moved to a pretty heavy, solid, I'm here to stay kind of rain. The wind of course knew we had arrived so it joined in the fun and increased to pretty strong.

Extended the poles and laid them out, pegged the fly (as per the video - error no 3) and tried to put the poles in. Did they want to go, did they 'eck. Got em in eventually and tried to connect to the ring and pin. Would the dome achieve it's shape (as per the bloody video). No it wouldn't , Twigged that this was because the tent had about three or four gallons of water pooling on it. OH lifted the dome (error no 4) and I eventually got the pins in (boy was she wet by this time) I had already removed my pants and was running around in my trollys and a cagoul. (error no 5) The wind was chilling me like a good lager and a caravan type was at his window enjoying the cabaret. Got it up eventually and the inners and groundsheet as per manufacturers spec. At this point the wind died down and the rain stopped. This weather continued off and on until we came back (the last day was brilliant sun and would you believe I got sunburned striking camp.) The Khyam performed perfectly I must admit but does anyone have any secret tips and tricks to pitching in wind and rain.   

Dave

Don't lose sight of the fact that even though you had some pitching problems, you have a KHYAM tent! None of this Outwell leaking for you  

Next time will be better, make the OH run around in her knickers and a cag...much more satisfying!

Nick

PS. as much as some will always say peg out the fly first, I never do as I want the flexibility to pull, push, swear and throw it in the nearest body of water with consummate ease

Many Thanks for the great big belly laugh I've just done, you have brightened my otherwise veery dull day at work.

My question is why is it I never see anybody in their undies pitching tents?  Although thinking about it it's probably a very sensible thing to do, if you're a bloke of course.

Glad you had a great trip anyway regardless of the weather.

Hi Teloz. The wind and rain just made it so I wanted it up and geared as quick as I could. I didn't follow your instructions but next time when the weather is a gentle zephyre like breeze and full sun I promise I will (I will also buy two of those groundsheets you advised.)

Thanks to the rest for not telling me what a div I am and enjoying the tale. Next caberet will be Saturday August 4th (same camp site at Kirkinner, Galloway). Tickets will be onsale on this website and on the door at Kirkinner (front seats extra). My new spandex undies should make the concert go with a swing (pun intended)